Hello, My name is Ellen and I was so pleased to find a forum all about the lap-band! I'm 21 years old and have been trying different diest and eating plans for the past 10 years, with only temporary success. My doctor, who normally is more conservative methods and does not always advocate bariatric surgery, has decided it's time to look into this. My weight has affected me for a long time, physically and mentally, so the thought that this may be more helpful is very exciting. I know it's going to be a huge lifestlye change, and it's a little scary, but I'm excited too. at almost 280 lbs, I'm tired of being big! So I decided to join here in the hopes i could learn more about this procedure, how people like it, and maybe use this as a source for support as well. So i guess first off.. those of you who have already had the procedure, what do you think of the lap-band and the new lifestyle that goes with it?

My cardiologist was the one who gave me the "do something or else" speech.......I'd hate to think of what my life would be like right now (2 years later) if I hadn't taken him seriously....or if I'd even be around. I'm very thankful that I had surgery..... and the new lifestyle was not nearly as difficult an adjustment as I had imagined it would be.

Ellen,

Congratulations on your decision to take this step for yourself! I am 38 and wish I had had this option when I was 21 with a 1 y/o son at home. Our time together during his growing up would have been so different. You will never regret your decision to re-take control of the beast called weight and your life. Good luck to you and let us know how things are going!

I love my band and have no regrets. I feel a lot better now, even with as much weight left to lose as I do.

The lifestyle change wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Yes, I've had to work on my issues with emotional eating and head hunger, which stalled me for awhile. But otherwise, I'm happy with the amount I eat. And sometimes amazed at how much I used to eat without feeling full.

I think you'll feel great about taking control of your weight now. One of the best things about the band is HOPE -- knowing that hundreds, if not thousands, of people have had success losing their weight this way when traditional dieting has failed them.

Hi, I'm 53 and was just banded 3 months ago. I wish I had done it when I was 21. I could always lose weight but it always came back plus some. Your life can be very different.

GO FOR IT !!!

I'm 43 and my only regret is wishing I would have done it sooner!

I was banded on May 23, 2007 and am coming up on my one year anniversary! To date, I've lost 74 pounds, starting at 272!!! YEA! I can't express how much better I feel even if I don't lose another pound! The only complication I had was having to get my galbladder taken out in November, which is common for rapid weight lose. It was an outpatient procedure and my surgeon was able to use the same incisions he used for my band so it was nothing at all!!! The band was definitely the choice for me and I would definitely recommend it to everyone!

Good Luck in your research and decision !

Hi Ellen my Doctor is VERY conservative also said that he thought the band was the best for me. I was banded on 02/06/07 and have lost about 110lbs. Good Luck

Joan

Thank you to all those who replied! The positive feedback and encouragement are helping me get more and more excited about this! So far, all my family and friends have been so supportive, and reading threads on here has helped answer some of my questions and ease my fears a bit. I'm sure I'll be posting here more and more and using this as a source for support and information.

I am so excited to make this change in my life! I know it's going to be a big change and going to take hard work and commitment, but I'm so ready. already spent 10 years with other diets and what not.. and I'm ready for the big change that will help me finally get to my goal! :-D

:thumbup:Hi Ellen,

I am 24, and just had the band myself. I ave bn contemplating it since 2 yrs ago. I was worried that I was too young to have it dne, bt u know wat am more than happy that I did it.its the beginning of a new life, and there is no time than now to have it.

HI Ellen, I've been banded 2 years. The nice thing about the band is you can eat everything, just less of it. Good luck with your journey.

I know the feeling Ellen, I was told last year (at the time I was 19) that I need to do something about my weight, I've always known I'm big but when a doctor personally says that kind of thing to you, you do take it as a bit of a blow but it just means that they are looking out for you and want the best for you health wise (kind of like there acting like your parents lol).

If you need to talk feel free to message me, I havent been banded yet but I would like to think I know a fair bit about it

Ellen, good luck on your journey to getting the lap band. I have not been banded yet, but I am so happy to read the comments that are posted by those that have been. When they say that they wished they had done it years before, I feel more than confident that I am making the right decision. This lapband forum is awesome and the experiences shared are a good support system.

It's so reassuring to come on here and read all the positive feedback and encouragement, and to read other peoples' stories.:w00t: I'm really glad my doctor suggested this, the more i read the less worried i am about the procedure and process and the more excited I am to begin this journey! The official first step is tonight! Attending the class about the lap-band at Silver Cross Hospital tonight, then after that, my doctor wants to talk again so we can get the ball rolling!:thumbdown: